Society has prepared a grand celebration to commemorate the opening of the new Sedeq lodge. Aristocrats, diplomats, merchants, and other important figures have come from across Sedeq and Qadira to celebrate. You've been charged with hosting this event by Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi, who's unable to attend due to important business in Katheer.
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My friends,
I'm afraid there's nothing for it. These negotiations are simply too time-sensitive for me to slip away to Sedeq for the week. I must leave the role of host at our new lodge's grand opening in your capable hands. Don't worry, all the arrangements have already been made. All you need to worry about is playing nice with the guests when they arrive. Tell some stories, work the crowd, make sure everybody has a good time, and most importantly, make a good impression. Remember, most of this crowd agreed to come so they could judge the mettle of the Pathfinder Society with their own eyes. The friends you win today could make all the difference for our future prospects here.
Good luck.
Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi
P.S.—I've forwarded a request from Venture-Captain Fola Barun, leader of the Envoy's Alliance, who wants you to make some new friends for the Society. Please do your best to fulfill her needs. To avoid making mistakes, be sure to mingle and learn what you can about our guests. Work first, then enjoy the party!
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I hope this letter finds you well. For that matter, I hope it finds you at all; I know how easy it is to mislay things while running hither and yon the way you do. I just wanted to remind you of the honored guests we discussed who were interested in the Lodge opening. We burned quite a few favors getting all of them to agree to an appearance, so let's try to get our fair share of the bargain, yes?
There's three in particular who I believe are already inclined to favor us. They just need a little nudge to seal the deal: Kendesh al-Maren's little sibling, Khayrat; the historian Casira bint Meji; and Sir Agdal Karga, head priest of the Shrine of the Cleansing Flame. We need to dig our roots into the local culture as soon as possible, lest all the good will we've fostered dry up and get blown away. If you find the chance to make a good impression on those three during the party, take it!
Yours, Fola
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With a party to host, what have you been doing to prepare for this grand event? Post a scene introducing yourself and your party preparations so far to get us started!
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Dang it! Out of the city for one mission and they send me right back int! a mustachioed human thinks to himself in the corner while he sips samples a beer to test and make sure the provisions are the best for the coming guests. Least that one was a long one. But baysittin's babysittn - even if this time its adults 'stead of children.
He moves about the lodge checking the decorations and food the staff's cooking and setting up, a light cloak brushing up against his leather armor and covering the long guncase strapped to his back. As he goes Walton makes suggestions here and there, though less about the aesthetics and more about very specific security measures.
What silverware we using for this shindig. Real silver, right? It better be: if any of these guests turn out to be werewolves stabbing them with a pewter knife'll be the last thing you do. And how come these table leg bottoms're so flat? Uh-huh? Well I know its a bit harder to balance if they're pointy but we won't have time to sharpen them later with a vampire breathing down our necks!
He throws up his hands. Unbelievable! It's like no one's ever thrown a Pathfinder party before!
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Reading the letters, Hercule pondered how best to approach the mission. He would need to ask around some, find out more about the three guests that Fola had mentioned. See if there weren’t some favorite appetizers that he should request of the kitchen, that sort of thing.
Straightening his attire, he grabs his cane and looks in the mirror before going out to check on the progress of the party. He adjusts the tilt of his bowler hat.
Seeing the human sampling the ale, he goes over to introduce himself.
“Hello, I am Hercule Purroit. I do not believe we have worked together in the past. Who might you be?”
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Walton Dilcox the man extends an arm out for a firm handshake. But you can just call me Walton. Pleasure to meet you. Ain't never worked alongside a...ah shoot he frowns. Sorry, is it Amurran? Last few years with the Society and I've seen so many different peoples than used to find out in the Wastes. He leans down to whisper to the investigator. Including some boney-maroneys, who are actually good guys they're sayin'. He laughs Wild world!
Noticing the other arrvial, Walton gives a bow. Good to meet you too Ahzeem! Or do you prefer Priest Kazzhad or some such title? Sorry, but gotta say I'm a bit nervous. Be honest - actually building this Lodge would've been more my speed than opening it. Ain't got much experience with these big city get-togethers.
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As though to prove Walton's point, a slender gnoll of average height (only 7' tall) comes in loaded down with bags. He dumps them on one of the tables and starts sorting through them.
"I'm sure they're all over, but I found some really good dates and olives. And I thought this piece of embroidery would make a good centerpiece, let's see what else is in here? Oh yeah, I got this for a steal. I think that vendor was afraid I'd bite his face off if he tried to haggle too much," he says with a chuckle.
"I hope Venture-Captain Qaradi doesn't mind that I took a little cash out for some shopping. Everyone was so impressed by our guest list."
He's clearly talking to someone, and it seems like it should be the other people in the room, but it is only now that he looks up and seems to notice anyone else.
"Oh, hello. You guys got letters, too? I'm Lioness Lapping Blood but you can call me 'Lioness.' A pleasure to meet you."
He'll go around shaking everyone's hands and, he's a hugger so anyone uncomfortable with that level of physical contact will have to (lightly) fend him off.
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Smiling at Walton, Hercule says “Yes, amurran is the proper term. Most just call us Catfolk.”
“I should be able to help with any questions of decorum. Pardon me for saying so, but it is my understanding that when it comes to the Pathfinder Society, their events tend to be a bit more exciting than a normal gala.”
Patting his leather armor and the hand crossbow at his waist, he explains “I believe the phrase is come dressed for the Grand Convocation.”
He steps to the side as the gnoll dumps their supplies on one of the tables. When he introduces himself, Hercule shakes hands but gets surprised by getting pulled into a hug.
“Pleasure to meet you, Lioness. Are you familiar with the area?”
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“I should be able to help with any questions of decorum. Pardon me for saying so, but it is my understanding that when it comes to the Pathfinder Society, their events tend to be a bit more exciting than a normal gala.”Patting his leather armor and the hand crossbow at his waist, he explains “I believe the phrase is come dressed for the Grand Convocation.”
Walton smiles, moving his cloak to show his own firearm. That's the ticket innit. Looks like we'll get along just fine.
He then looks around and starts checking the tables around them. Hey, any of you seen a guest list herabouts? I know Fola worte about a few folk she wants us to play nice with, but worried this one ibn Bashemi fella might be comin'. Played a bit of a prank on him with some others when I was last in town and while I think we didn't make too much waves about it worried he might recognize me and start putting two and two together
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In Zibini's short time as a Pathfinder, he'd already earned significantly more money than he'd ever held at one time before. It took him some time to internalize that enough to spend money on "frivolous" expenditures like replacing his tattered clothing.
But the last person who'd paid him for a task had advised it. With the mission task of throwing a party, it seemed an advisable time to do so, and now he has.
He isn't entirely sure why he was chosen for this task. Party planning? Of a type that was surely different from untying he'd done before.
But, well, he's already starting to earn a little bit of a reputation (or so he hopes) for being good with people. And he was also in the area already; that's probably part of it.
The goblin's ears perk up at the mention of "boney maloneys." "Yeah, I met some of them! The whole big.. bad.. undeath, um, bad aura? Over there. It's the bad guys causing it, of course, but I don't think they're really controlling it? Having hateful dead rise is something they like, but I guess a few of them 'woke up' more like how they were when they were alive... I was on a mission to rescue some civilians from the undead, and some of the civilians were skeletons! One of them was really helpful.
"I'm Zibini. I have magic, but I don't know a lot about fancy parties--but I think sometimes, admitting you don't know what you're doing can be charming, if you do it right."
He's delighted to hug Lioness. "You know what you're doing, though. That's better."
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"I've never done any formal parties. Not like this, but the basic idea of a party is always the same. Make everyone comfortable, make sure they have plenty to eat and drink, and keep them from getting bored. It's just a matter of figuring out how to do that for each group of people in each situation," Lioness says, bending waaay down to hug the goblin.
"For the fancy ones, you just pretend like everyone is too important to do something frivolous like having fun."
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The goblin's ears perk up at the mention of "boney maloneys." "Yeah, I met some of them! The whole big.. bad.. undeath, um, bad aura? Over there. It's the bad guys causing it, of course, but I don't think they're really controlling it? Having hateful dead rise is something they like, but I guess a few of them 'woke up' more like how they were when they were alive... I was on a mission to rescue some civilians from the undead, and some of the civilians were skeletons! One of them was really helpful.
Walton gives an empathizing nod, though his expression's a bit tight. Helpful for now. See how they do outside that death glow.
“Not how I would describe them, Lioness. Still, there often is quite a bit of verbal and social dueling at them. If you have no interest in politics, I suppose you might find that boring.”
This gets a full-on head shake. Seems a damn waste of all this food and libation if they're just gonna trying and do the same work over it. Or... his eyes widen. If they can politick while getting fine grub and fancy wine, how come the Decimverate can't have use get the same dfeal. I was fighting shade things in the basement few weeks back and they barely offered us sandwiches.
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A little girl holding a rag doll enters in. Overhearing the conversations (and mini diatribes), she holds the doll up to her ear, and then says, "I love a party. Maybe it'll be a tea party."
She holds up her doll for everyone to see. "I'm Alice. And, this is my doll. Her name's Alice too. We like to have tea parties."
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"Don't be so cynical, Hercule! People like to be treated as though they were special. Nice food and drinks and people dressed in their finest means that you think they are special. Of course they're going to be more likely to look on you favorably after you do all that work for them," Lioness replies.
He puts his arm around Dalton's shoulders and gives him a little shake. "Come on, my friend. You and I both know you'd rather be chowing down on a bowl of chili with a mug of beer than picking over finger sandwiches and sipping champagne."
He is about to go gently shoo the little girl away when Hercule takes her under his wing. Shrugging, he assumes the catfolk knows what he's doing.
When Walton and Hercule check out the guest list, they cannot find the name of ibn Bashemi anywhere upon it.
Hercule recognizes immediately the names of many members of local high society in Sedeq on this guest list. It seems that almost anyone who is anyone has been invited here tonight!
As far as tea recommendations, Hercule finds two that might be of note in the lodge's supplies: Pearl Dragon, a very rare and sophisticated white tea from Goka, and a spicy Poshkettle Tea chai blend. The Pearl Dragon is an incredibly light tea, best served unadulterated. The Poshkettle Chai would be great steamed with milk and sugar, or as a dunking vehicle for cookies.
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At last, all your preparations are done, and the party starts! If any of the guests notice the silverware or sharpened table legs, they are too polite to comment. Lioness's delicious snacks are a huge hit as guests pile their plates high with treats!
Laughter, music, and the chattering of dozens of curious voices waft through the wide-open doors of the newest Pathfinder lodge, which have been thrown open to the public in celebration of its grand opening. It feels like half of Sedeq has come to tour the sun-drenched, mudbrick chambers and gauge all that the Society has to offer their city.
The heart of both the building and the party is in the central courtyard. Scores of visitors stand, sit, or lounge on benches as they enjoy the sunshine, the newly-planted gardens, good conversation, and delectable finger foods. Waiters weave between guests, topping off wine goblets, coffee cups, and pots of steaming tea, all to the tune of sweet music drifting from the balconies of the upper floors. To the west, a pair of wooden doors stands open, from which guests drift in and out of a dining room full of tables heavy with food. At the courtyard’s center, a three-tiered marble fountain babbles with fresh water.
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Hercule suggests that Alice try the Poshkettle Chai, especially if she is going to have cookies with her tea.
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As the guests start arriving, Purroit politely greets them and makes sure they are properly announced. He does his best to be courteous and helpful, gladly answering any questions about the lodge or the Pathfinder Society they may have.
The guests roll in, delighted to be greeted by all of you. None of the special guests mentioned in Fola’s letter are currently in the courtyard, but Azheem recalls that in Qadiran culture, it is common for higher status guests to arrive a little late.
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Mingle
You can attempt to recall knowledge about the special guests by mingling and being sociable with a Diplomacy check to Gather Information, or a Society check (or relevant Lore check) to Recall Knowledge and learn more about one of the notable guests at the party. This check will be rolled secretly.
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Entertain
You can learn the same information by succeeding at an Athletics check, Acrobatics check, or Performance check to Perform, then speaking to the appreciative (or unappreciative) audience about notable guests. This check will be rolled secretly.
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Along with information about the check you are attempting, also let me know which guest you are trying to find information about:
★ Agdal Karga,
★ Casira bint Meji, or
★ Khayrat al-Maren
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Hercule mingles with the various dignitaries, happily chatting with them about a variety of subjects. In each case, he brings the conversation around to religion with the intent of learning more about Sir Agdal Karga.
“If you ever visit Jalmeray, I would recommend visiting the Pure Temple of the Maharajah. It is a temple dedicated to Irori. I have heard that the worship of Sarenrae is more popular here. Who would you recommend I speak with to learn about some of the wonders dedicated to her?”
“The Starstone Cathedral in the Ascendant Court of Absalom is another wonder to see — from a distance. The Shrine of the Failed is filled with the tales of aspirants who attempted to enter the Starstone Cathedral.”
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Walton watches the crowd filter in with a wary eye Lotta people moving in and out. Hoping those invitation checkers're usin their eyes for trouble too..
Still, until anything pops off nothiing to do but press the flesh and make the people happy. So he moves about the dance floor of the party, waiting for a more energetic tune to begin wafting down from the balcony before offering to dance with some of the guests. Pardon me ma'am, but can I interest you in a jig? I heard you've worked with Kendesh al-Maren a few times; hear their kin is coming tonight and'd be delighted to be introduced to ol' Khayrat.
Hercule conducts a discreet inquiry, discussing religion with various early arrivals. Azheem mistakes another guest for Agdal Karga, as none of Fola's special guests have arrived yet. Fortunately, the older gentlemen that Azheem greets is delighted to be mistaken for the Sarenrite Priest. "Oh... You were looking for Agdal? Heh. And you thought he was me?" The old fellow swells with pride. "I am rather distinguished, aren't I?"
Both Hercule's discreet inquiry and Azheem's more direct approach tell you that Agdal Karga is the head priest of Sedeq's largest Sarenite church, the Shrine of the Cleansing Flame. He's a long-time correspondent and political ally of Shahiyan Deena al-Parishat and often invokes her name in fiery polemics against the city's infamous genie-binding trade.
Meanwhile, Walton approaches a society matron who quite happily accepts his offer to 'dance a jig' with him. Walton and the matron get into a very energetic dance which attracts attention from all over the courtyard. "Oh, my! I haven't danced that way in such a long time! And with such an attractive young man too!" The matron fans herself and flirts with Walton a bit before continuing, "Khayrat al-Maren is a popular attache of the Imperial Court. He is, ahem, bearing his shoulders today.” The matron adjusts her body language to imitate a man's strut. At Walton's confusion, she clarifies, "That's a tasteful way of communicating that the genderfluid sylph currently presents as a man and uses he/him pronouns. At least, that is what he is doing right now."
The guests roll in, delighted to be greeted by all of you. None of the special guests mentioned in Fola’s letter are currently in the courtyard, but Azheem recalls that in Qadiran culture, it is common for higher status guests to arrive a little late.
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Mingle
You can attempt to recall knowledge about the special guests by mingling and being sociable with a Diplomacy check to Gather Information, or a Society check (or relevant Lore check) to Recall Knowledge and learn more about one of the notable guests at the party. This check will be rolled secretly.
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Entertain
You can learn the same information by succeeding at an Athletics check, Acrobatics check, or Performance check to Perform, then speaking to the appreciative (or unappreciative) audience about notable guests. This check will be rolled secretly.
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Along with information about the check you are attempting, also let me know which guest you are trying to find information about:
★ Agdal Karga,
★ Casira bint Meji, or
★ Khayrat al-Maren
In addition to Mingle and Entertain, you can also choose instead to Observe, using your Perception to watch events at the party or look for trouble. If you do this, you are not trying to learn about a specific guest, but may find out about something else.
So once again, your options are Mingle, Entertain or Observe. All of these options are Secret Checks.
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Zibini hovers near one of the food tables. It's an excellent opportunity for snacks, chatting with people while they aren't in groups, and snacks.
"You know, I'm a little nervous about being 'presentable' at this kind of party," he says conspiratorially to various passersby, "but the food is good! I helped with some of the preparations, you know"--he had carried some of the trays and set them on the table--"and I think you'll really like these spicy meatballs.
"And there's so many interesting people coming tonight! Is there anybody you're hoping to see? I hope I get a chance to meet Casira bint Meji! She (She is a woman, right? 'Casira' sounds feminine to me, but I'm not from around here, so I dunno) wrote that really good article about... um.. oh, what was it?"
Zibini talks to a halfling who is going for seconds on the spicy meatballs. "Ooh, these are so delicious! You made these?" The halfling continues to munch the meatballs. "Casira bint Meji? Yeah, she's a... she. I should know, because I'm on the board of the Southern Qadiran History Museum where she acts as curator! We're lucky to have such a renowned scholar on hand. I keep pestering her to create an exhibit around her work. Do you know she's penned four popular tomes on local history? Her contacts in the academic community would make her an invaluable resource for your Society's historical excavation projects."
Alice's performance gains polite applause in the room. The well-dressed woman Alice approaches, thinking she's Casira, says in an annoyed voice, "No, I'm not Casira. I don't think she's arrived yet. We're both renowned scholars but she does more of that grotty fieldwork than I do. Always dust under the fingernails." The woman shudders. "Though I envy her figure. As a delver of ancient ruins, she's quite athletic, you know."
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Meanwhile, Walton approaches a society matron who quite happily accepts his offer to 'dance a jig' with him. Walton and the matron get into a very energetic dance which attracts attention from all over the courtyard. "Oh, my! I haven't danced that way in such a long time! And with such an attractive young man too!" The matron fans herself and flirts with Walton a bit before continuing, "Khayrat al-Maren is a popular attache of the Imperial Court. He is, ahem, bearing his shoulders today.” The matron adjusts her body language to imitate a man's strut. At Walton's confusion, she clarifies, "That's a tasteful way of communicating that the genderfluid sylph currently presents as a man and uses he/him pronouns. At least, that is what he is doing right now."
Well, that is mighty helpful to hear. Walton says with a polite nod at the matron. Would've been a bit of egg on my face had I tripped around the wrong title - my mouth ain't quite as nimble as these legs. he smiles.
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Lioness mingles with the crowd. He always seems to be in the right place with the right thing. A drink here, a snack there, an interested tidbit to get a lagging conversation going...
But he often guides the conversation to Khayrat al-Maren. When he lingers long enough to hear a conversation, that is.
Lioness delivers many delicious snacks to the mingling guests. One, a literally fiery red head who pouts when Lioness brings up the name of Khayrat, tosses back his flaming curls in a gesture that fills the area around him with with the scent of woodsmoke and incense. "Oh, why do you want to know about Khayrat? He stole my boyfriend, and even worse... I hear Khayrat al-Maren is a mean trickster who enjoys humiliating others with practical jokes. Now me, I would never dream of talking bad of someone, or playing cruel pranks, but Khayrat's humor knows know shame." Despite never talking bad of anyone, this guest also makes cutting comments about the fashion sense or personal failings of several other guests, all the while nearly clearing Lioness's tray of peppers.
You have barely time to share your insights with each other when the crowd gets noticeably thicker as more guests pour into the lodge, laughing and talking around the courtyard.
A delighted gasp rings from the center of the courtyard, drawing the crowd's collective attention to the fountain. A sweet, fruity scent floods the air as, before the guests' very eyes, the fountain's waters shift from clear to a dark red-purple hue.
A round of appreciative applause follows shortly, with a few guests voicing their praise of the magical surprise. Someone dips their goblet into the stream and takes a sip, then dissolves into sputtering laughter—the drink isn't wine, as they'd all assumed, but non-alcoholic grape juice. “And a lovely vintage, too!” That declaration spreads the laughter to the surrounding guests.
A resounding crack interrupts the merriment. Despite the sheer weight of the marble pieces, the fountain's tiers have separated and begun spinning at high speed! The guests go from laughing to shrieking as they scatter, the nearest already splattered with juice that has no doubt ruined their fine clothes. More and more of the sweet liquid spews from the fountain while its tiers spin faster and faster, flinging grape juice in all directions!
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ROUND ONE: Let's get sloshed!
Walton
Lioness
Alice + Alice
Fountain
Azheeem
Hercule
Zibini
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Given what often happens in a Pathfinder lodge, Lioness cringes as someone goes up and takes a drink from the altered fountain. He is relieved when it proves to be something harmless.
Even the mess seems harmless, but rude and he can't help but thinking of what he just learned about Khayrat.
The perpetrator of the crime is neither here nor there at the moment, though so he moves to mitigate the disaster as best he can.
First, he tries to wrestle the upper most tier to a stop then tries to deactivate the pump to it.
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Lioness grabs on to the bottom tier but not only does not stop, she goes merrily spinning with it!
This sets off the bottom tier's centrifugal slam reaction!
Fortunately, other than having a wild ride around the fountain, Lioness is a stalwart creature and takes no damage from the wild ride!
As neither Walton nor Alice have Athletics, I am going to declare that they delay so they can act in a round when someone can wrestle that fountain.
The fountain accelerates its spinning, spraying juice 10 feet in all directions on its first turn. Every square where it sprays juice becomes difficult terrain. The guests continue to shriek and flee the room!
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ROUND ONE / TWO: Let's get sloshed!
Lioness
Fountain
Walton
Alice + Alice
Azheeem
Hercule
Zibini
Hercule just barely misses slowing down the top tier and, like Lioness, gets taken for a merry ride around spinning fountain as the top tier's centrifugal slam reaction kicks in.
Fortunately, like all cat folk, he has good balance and is able to handle the crazy spin without hurting himself. As he's spinning around, Alice the girl manages to stop the top tier from spinning long enough for Hercule to disable it.
This seems to slow down the other two tiers as well, and perhaps may make it easier for the rest of you to disable this crazy fountain.
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ROUND ONE / TWO: Let's get sloshed!
Lioness
Fountain (Top Tier Disabled!)
Walton
Alice + Alice
Azheeem
Hercule
Zibini
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Dang, and I got dressed up all fine an' everything. Walton mutters as he continues to get sprayed by the careening juice pools.
That's it Alice! Keep it still'n we can jam it up nice n/good!
Walton lunges forwards himself to try and grab one of the tiers now that Alice A and Hercule seem to have slowed it down a bit.
Failing (and getting sloshed - but not in the fun way - for his troubles, he tries again...
...before looking up to Lioness. All right then, looks like its up to you. Don't worry, sure ya got it in those paws!